At a Glance
- 28% of U.S. households still have a landline
- Landlines stay reliable during power outages and long-distance calls
- Switching to a landline can cost $20-$48/month and may require VoIP or copper lines
- Why it matters: Even as smartphones dominate, a landline can be a lifeline during outages and for emergency services
Landlines are still useful because they use copper wiring that works even when the grid is down. They avoid the dropped calls and poor reception that plague cellular networks. Many emergency services, hospitals, and law offices keep landlines for fax and critical communication.
Why Landlines Are Still Reliable
Landlines use copper wiring that is inexpensive to build and often works even when the grid is down. They avoid the dropped calls and poor reception that plague cellular networks. Many emergency services, hospitals, and law offices keep landlines for fax and critical communication.
Costs and Providers
The average cost varies by provider and technology. AT&T charges $48/month for a traditional home phone, CenturyLink $30/month, and Spectrum $20/month. Some carriers offer VoIP, which relies on an internet connection and may need backup power. The FCC is phasing out the requirement for landline service, so newer homes may lack phone jacks.
| Provider | Traditional Plan | VoIP Option |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $48/month | Available |
| CenturyLink | $30/month | Available |
| Spectrum | $20/month | Available |
Getting a Landline Today
- Call your local phone company to ask if the service is POTS or VoIP.
- Verify the location of the junction box if you live in an apartment.
- Ask about backup batteries or an uninterrupted power supply.
- Check long-distance rates, as local calls are usually free.
Ann Williams stated:
> “We remember a day when it was absolutely necessary to have (the landline).”
Alternatives and Future Options
If a landline is unavailable, satellite-based VoIP from HughesNet or SpaceX can fill the gap. Apple’s iPhone 14 includes Emergency SOS that connects to satellite for location and messaging when no network is available. Google Voice, Zoom, and RingCentral can route calls to a landline, cellphone, or computer.
Key Takeaways
- 28% of U.S. households still use landlines for reliability.
- Traditional plans range from $20 to $48/month, with VoIP as a cheaper alternative.
- Backup power and long-distance rates are critical when choosing a provider.
Even as mobile phones dominate, a landline remains a practical backup for emergencies and essential services.
